iphone filmmaking equipment

The Best iPhone Filmmaking Equipment: A Complete Review

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So you might be wondering, why would I purchase iPhone filmmaking equipment? Whether you are brand new to filmmaking or you been in the game awhile, you probably know that filmmaking and video content creation can get pretty expensive. The main reason for this is because the equipment involved in creating video content if you decide to purchase your own. Most of the time filmmakers and videographers will purchase a DSLR, microphones, tripods,  lighting – the whole nine yards.

When you invest in this type of setup it can get extremely expensive, fast. As an example, a typical camera body will usually cost at least $1,500 and many of the best lenses out there are not far behind or even cost more. 

If you are not a professional filmmaker, but instead of a hobbyist, it might not be worth it for you to invest in this level of video equipment. If you do not plan on making money from the videos that you create, it may be better to explore alternatives so that you are not spending so much money. Even if you are a professional videographer, it still might be beneficial to explore alternatives – especially if you are brand new to the industry.

iPhones Offer Quality Video

These days, iPhones and smartphones offer exceptional quality when it comes to photo and video. It is honestly pretty crazy to think about how powerful smartphones are and what they are capable of. Many times if you know what you are doing and have the right equipment on hand, iPhone and smartphone video can actually rival the quality that you would get from a traditional video setup, including DSLRs and expensive lenses.

Why Use an iPhone for Filmmaking?

So with that being said, if you are still asking why you should use an iPhone for filmmaking – here is your answer. Aside from the fact that traditional videography equipment (when not using a smartphone) is extremely expensive, it can also be very beneficial to use an iPhone or a smartphone for filmmaking because it is so much easier to transport and you do not have to worry about carrying around extremely bulky heavy equipment.

What Is the Best Affordable Video Kit?

When it comes to purchasing iPhone filmmaking equipment or equipment for your smartphone, there is really no one-size-fits-all solution. There is so much equipment out there and whether you are new or you’ve been in the videography game for a while, it can get pretty confusing and overwhelming to know what equipment to purchase. For that reason I have created this iPhone filmmaking equipment guide that details equipment that can be used specifically for your iPhone or smartphone if you want to level up your video content. I am excited about this guide and I hope that it helps you when it comes to creating higher-quality video content on your smartphone or iPhone.

My Top Phone Video Equipment Picks

What Is iPhone Video Equipment and Why Should You Use It

If you are interested in creating quality video content using your iPhone then you might be interested in purchasing your own iPhone filmmaking equipment. Investing in your own iPhone filmmaking equipment will make it possible for you to create high-quality video content Wherever You Are whether it be on vacation for your business or even just for fun.

Why You Should Own Your iPhone Filmmaking Equipment

If you are  planning on creating video content using your iPhone or your smartphone then it might be a good idea to invest in your own iPhone filmmaking equipment. This way you do not constantly need to rent equipment or go without and you know that you will always be able to create consistent high quality video content.

The Different Types of iPhone Video Equipment

When it comes to purchasing your own iPhone video equipment, there are so many different types of equipment that you can buy. In this article, we will be reviewing some of the basics such as gimbals, lenses, tripods, microphones and lighting. Within each of these categories I also provide suggestions for different types of equipment. For example when it comes to microphones you can purchase a shotgun mic or a lavalier mic depending on your needs.  there are also different price ranges to consider.

For example, if you are a beginner when it comes to iPhone filmmaking or smartphone filmmaking, it might be a good idea for you to invest in equipment that costs less. If you are more advanced and you know that you’ll be creating a lot of video content on your iPhone or smartphone, then it might be better to spend a little bit more money and really invest in your equipment. 

For each product that is listed in this review, I provide information around pros, cons, and why somebody would or would not want to purchase that particular piece of equipment. At the beginning of the article I also have my top picks from each category listed if you are having a hard time deciding.  Take a look at the list below for a more detailed analysis around the pros and cons for each product.

Benefits of Using Equipment to Create iPhone Videos

Benefit of purchasing your own iPhone or smartphone equipment for filmmaking purposes is that you can create high-quality videos whenever you want. I also provide more in-depth analysis around the specific benefits or drawbacks for each product.  Take a look at the list Above This section to learn more about each product.

Things to Look for in Quality iPhone Filmmaking Equipment

Purchasing your own iPhone or smartphone filmmaking equipment I definitely have a couple of tips based on everything that I’ve learned over the years. 

Something to consider when it comes to purchasing any piece of video equipment is to be sure to take a look at the reviews. While some equipment might look like it is high-quality pictures can often be very misleading, so it is really important to look at the reviews to make sure that you are buying a quality piece of equipment.

Price point: The next thing to consider when you are purchasing your very own iPhone filmmaking equipment is the price point. You have to keep in mind that a lot of the time you will get what you pay for. For example if you decide to invest in a piece of equipment that is $20 or so, then you have to realize that the quality of this piece of technology might not be the highest. It is all about where you are in your filmmaking journey and how much you actually want to invest in your equipment, especially when considering whether you are new or more experienced.

Accessories:  Next thing to consider our accessories. I always recommend people to pay special attention to the accessories when they are purchasing a piece of filmmaking equipment. There might be a really important accessory that you need to operate that piece of equipment but the piece of equipment they are thinking about buying doesn’t actually come with that accessory. Look at the details when you are purchasing equipment.

Specific features:  Next I want you to really think about your goals when it comes to creating videos on your iPhone or your smartphone. Then once you know your goals and the specific type of shots that you would like to create, make sure that the piece of equipment that you are buying is able to match up to the types of videos that you want to create. Otherwise, it is pointless to buy a piece of equipment if it won’t do what you wanted to at the end of the day.

Gimbals and stabilizers

 

DJI OM 4 – Handheld 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal Stabilizer with Grip

 

    • What do I like?
      • DJI is known for creating world-class video equipment, which is one of my favorite things about this phone gimbal.
    • What are the benefits?
      • This is a great option for a handheld, mobile gimbal because it is easily portable and makes it easy to get smooth, stabilized video footage on your iPhone or smartphone. 
    • What are the features?
      • Features of the DJI OM 4 include:  
        • DynamicZoom: Provides cinematic, vertigo zoom effect.
        • Magnetic phone clamp to quickly attach your phone.
        • Gesture Control: Control the gimbal remotely for selfies and group photos.
        • 3-Axis Stabilization to completely remove any traces of shaky video
        • ActiveTrack 3.0: Create smooth footage while walking
    • What are the cons?
      • The cons of the DJI OM 4 is that it is quite pricey for a phone stabilizer. If you are a video hobbyist, spending $149 on a phone stabilizer might not be the right option for you.

Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

  • What do I like? One of my favorite things about the Hohem stabilizer is that it includes a variety of features at a fraction of the price of the DJI OM 4. You are able to get stabilized footage at a lower price.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This gimbal helps users to create smooth, professional-looking video footage.
  • What are the features?
    • Includes features like zoom, focus, pan, tilt, and more!
    • 3D Inception Mode enables the phone to capture footage by rotating 360 degrees
    • Sports mode results in very smooth action shots
    • Ability to control gimbal on the Hohem app
    • Timelapse feature
    • 12 hours of running time
  • What are the cons?
    • Because the price point of this stabilizer is lower and the brand isn’t as highly recognized, it might make me consider another brand more.

CINEPEER Phone Gimbal, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer

  • What do I like?
    • I like this gimbal because you are able to get some basic stabilizing functions for smartphone video without breaking the bank. This is a great option for beginners.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This gimbal provides stabilization when creating videos on a smartphone. Say goodbye to shaky camera footage!
  • What are the features?
    • Cinematic features like time lapse, dolly zoom, panorama and more!
    • Long battery life of up to 12 hours
    • Lightweight
    • Four gimbal modes including Pan, Lock, Follow and POV
  • What are the cons?
    • This is the lowest priced gimbal on the list, which might be a great option for beginners but not those seeking to transition into more professional video.

Tripods

 

Selfie Stick & Tripod Fugetek

  • What do I like?
    • I really like this tripod because it extends to 51 inches, which is pretty tall. This tripod makes it so easy to capture stabilized footage with my phone!
  • What are the benefits?
    • This tripod helps to stabilize footage when you are recording video on your phone.
  • What are the features?
    • This tripod extends to 51 inches
    • Includes wireless Bluetooth remote
    • Doubles as a selfie stick and tripod
  • What are the cons?
    • Because this tripod is lightweight, extending it to the full 51 inches can make it slightly flimsy.

Selfie Stick Tripod, UBeesize

  • What do I like?
    • It is nice that this tripod is made with lightweight aluminum – it appears that this tripod is lightweight and easy to carry.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This tripod helps users to achieve stabilized video when using a smartphone.
  • What are the features?
    • Combines a tripod with a selfie stick
    • Extends from 17.5 inches to 51.0 inches with a  360° head rotation
    • Compatible with most smartphones
    • Includes wireless remote shutter
  • What are the cons?
    • Similar to the previous tripod, the aluminum that the tripod is made with might not last over time or be sturdy as you extend the full length of the tripod.

UBeesize Portable and Flexible Phone Tripod

  • What do I like?
    • I like that this tripod has flexible legs! This is helpful because you can adjust the shape of the tripod legs depending on where you are standing the tropic.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This tripod is helpful because it delivers stabilized video when recording on your smartphone.
  • What are the features?
    • Very portable and compact tripod
    • The legs of the tripod are made of thicker material and result in more sturdy stabilization
    • The joint can be rotated 90 degrees, so you can adjust the angle of the video!
    • Wireless remote
  • What are the cons?
    • Because this tripod is smaller, you will most likely always need to find a surface to prop up the tripod.

UBeesize 67” Phone Tripod Stand & Selfie Stick Tripod

  • What do I like?
    • I really like that this tripod extends to 67 inches, that is very tall and helpful when you are recording videos while standing up!
  • How does it help the reader?
    • This tripod is helpful in that it stabilizes video and is able to extend to a very tall height.
  • What are the features?
    • This tripod extends to 67 inches!
    • Doubles as a selfie stick and tripod
    • Compatible with most smartphones
  • What are the cons?
    • Because the tripod is made with lightweight aluminum and also extends to 67 inches, it might be less sturdy the more that it is extended.

Microphones & Audio Equipment

Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone

  • What do I like?
    • I really like the Rode brand when it comes to mics and am excited that Rode has a smaller mic that can be used with a smartphone.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This mic helps to deliver professional, high quality sound when recording on your smartphone!
  • What are the features?
    • Very compact microphone
    • Includes a shock mount and furry windshield
    • No battery needed
  • What are the cons?
    • This mic is a little on the more expensive end, which may not be ideal for the hobbyist iPhone filmmaker.

Movo VXR10 Universal Video Microphone

  • What do I like?
    • I like that this mic delivers quality at a lower price point than the Rode mic listed above. This way, you can get better quality sound without spending a ton of money.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This mic deliveries quality sound when recording video on your smartphone!
  • What are the features?
    • Includes furry windscreen, a soft case, and two output cables (smartphone / DSLR)
    • Durable design with shock mount to reduce extra noise
    • One year warranty
    • Compatible with most devices (check for your device)
  • What are the cons?
    • The downside of this microphone is that Movo is not a well-known brand, so you may be sacrificing quality for a lower price.

Condenser Microphone

  • What do I like?
    • I like that you are able to get quality sound on your smartphone without spending very much money. 
  • What are the benefits?
    • This microphone is great when recording yourself speaking and will provide higher quality audio than just using the built-in audio functionality on your phone.
  • What are the features?
    • Omnidirectional sound capture for higher quality
    • Compatible with many devices
    • Crisp sound & excellent performance
  • What are the cons?
    • Because this microphone is low cost, it might not last as long as more expensive options.

PoP voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone

  • What do I like?
    • This is a very low-cost option for those who want higher quality sound without spending a ton of money. Great for a hobbyist or a beginner.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This microphone will help users to achieve higher quality audio and introduce users to the world of phone audio for video use.
  • What are the features?
    • Specifically made to be used with smartphones
    • Comes with an adaptor
    • Omnidirectional mic with great performance
    • Long cord length up to 79 inches
  • What are the cons?

Lenses

CoPedvic Phone Camera Lens – Super Wide Angle, Macro, Fisheye

  • What do I like?
    • I really like that this kit comes with three different types of lenses. This is great for a beginner who wants to try out multiple lenses at a low price point.
  • What are the benefits?
    • These lenses help users to achieve different angles and looks when taking photos and videos on your smartphone.
  • What are the features?
    • Create professional photos and videos with your smartphone
    • Compatible with most smartphones
    • Macro lens provides 22X telephoto capability
  • What are the cons?
    • The cons are that because this kit is low priced and comes with three lenses, it might not be of the highest quality or for long-term iPhone filmmaking professionals.

ULANZI Fish Eye Lens

  • What do I like?
    • I like that you are able to purchase this fisheye lens standalone if this is the specific lens that you are looking into purchasing. I am also a big fan of the fishbowl effect and think that this is a really cool lens.
  • How does it help the reader?
    • This fisheye lens helps users to achieve the fishbowl effect, which is a very artsy, fun video and photo effect.
  • What are the features?
    • Comparable to DSLR fishbowl effect
    • Professional, 238 degree fisheye lens
    • Compatible with most smartphones
    • High clarity
  • What are the cons?
    • The con of this fisheye lens is that it is almost $40, so it is a little bit on the pricey side if you have other lenses to purchase.

Moment Tele Lens

  • What do I like?
    • I like the quality of this 58mm lens – this definitely helps to take your iPhone videos to the next level! This is a quality lens for those looking to invest in their iPhone filmmaking equipment.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This iPhone lens helps users to achieve more quality, professional video using the 58mm look.
  • What are the features?
    • Works well with most smartphones
    • Use with the moment pro camera app
    • The lens brings you  2x to 4x closer to the subject
    • High quality attachment lens with lifetime warranty
  • What are the cons?
    • The con of this product is that it is expensive. This is definitely for someone looking to invest in their iPhone filmmaking gear.

Moment Wide Lens

  • What do I like?
    • I really like the look and quality of this lens – this is great for capturing footage outdoors! This is definitely a quality lens.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This lens definitely takes your iPhone video footage to the next level. This is great if you work in real estate or want to capture more footage of the great outdoors.
  • What are the features?
    • Works with most smartphones
    • Ideal for landscape photo and video as well as real estate
    • Includes lifetime warranty
  • What are the cons?
    • The con of this product is that it is expensive. This is definitely for someone looking to invest in their iPhone filmmaking gear.

Moment Anamorphic Lens

10’’ LED Ring Light with Stand and Phone Holder

 

  • What do I like?
    • I really like how the tripod stand is adjustable and how the ring light provides a variety of color temperatures. I also like how the smartphone sits in the middle of the light, so you get a very even distribution of light.
  • What are the benefits?
    • This ring light helps users by providing crisp lighting when capturing video using a smartphone.
  • What are the features?
    • Includes adjustable tripod stand that can extend from 16″ to 50″
    • Compatible with iPhone and Bluetooth
    • 10 inch adjustable ring light 
    • Delivers 3000K-6000K (Warm to Cold) color temperatures
  • What are the cons?
    • Must ensure that the power source is compatible with power sources based on where you live.

Selfie Ring Light with Tripod Stand & Cell Phone Holder


  • What do I like?
    • I really like how the tripod extends up to 51 inches and that the ring light is dimmable. This is very useful as the brightness needed will vary based on time of day and weather!
  • How does it help the reader?
    • This ring light provides bright, even light for users recording video on their smartphone.
  • What are the features?
    • USB Powered, dimmable ring light
    • Phone holder is easily adjustable with ability to rotate
    • Provides three light temperatures: Warm Light (3000K), Cool White (4500K), and Day Light (6000K)
    • Tripod stand extends from 17.5″ to 51″ 
  • What are the cons?
    • The smartphone sits just below the light, so the lighting may be higher than eye level depending on how you have your smartphone set up.

Conclusion 

Okay, now that you’ve been able to review the different products listed in this iPhone filmmaking equipment review, I just want to emphasize the importance of buying products that meet your needs. It can be very beneficial to invest in your own iPhone filmmaking equipment if you want to start to create higher-quality videos using your iPhone or smartphone. Whether you are a professional videographer or you are exploring video as a hobby, it can be very beneficial and extremely fun to have your own equipment in to try out creating different types of videos. If you are interested in learning more about video equipment, check out some of my recommendations here.

 
 
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Morgan

Morgan is a recognized video marketing expert and content creator. She also runs a video production company and has a passion for teaching all things video.